Villarreal coach Unai Emery was delighted with their Europa Conference League playoff win at Hajduk Split.
Villarreal won 2-0 in Croatia, so reaching the group stage 4-2 on aggregate.
Emery said, “We approached the tie with a lot of respect from the start. We conceded certain things there that we corrected today. The team played a very serious game, we were focused and the team was able to show our superiority. On the other hand, I would like to congratulate Hajduk Split because we played against a team with history and present and I would like them to be in European competition because of what they represent.
“The atmosphere we have experienced today in this stadium was amazing. We really enjoyed the atmosphere here and I would love it if teams like Hajduk Split had the opportunity to play in European competition.
“We’re not thinking about the final, we’re thinking about the journey. That’s the message we always convey in the dressing room, because that’s what we have to enjoy. We want to have a good run in Europe. We shouldn’t consider ourselves favourites or put any pressure on ourselves, but rather enjoy the journey and the road to gain certain experiences that will help us in the future.”
